Future Students

Whether you’re a high school student, graduate student, international student, nontraditional student or military service member, now’s your chance to discover CMU and put your stamp on the world. More...

The
McNair Scholars Program is designed to prepare its participants for
doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly
activities. McNair scholars are from disadvantaged backgrounds who
demonstrate strong academic potential. Program staff work closely with
the scholars through their undergraduate career, provide training for
entrance into graduate programs and track their progress through the
successful completion of advanced degrees. The goal of the McNair
program is to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from
underrepresented segments of society.

To be eligible for the program, you must be either:

A student of any ethnicity who is both
a first generation college student (neither parent has received a
college degree - they can have received an associate's degree and/or
some college and you will still be considered first generation) and
considered low income according to federal guidelines (click here to access Trio income guidelines)

OR

A member of
an underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic, Native American,
Alaskan, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) in graduate education

In addition, you must be:

Seriously interested in preparing for graduate education and attaining a research doctorate

A U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Enrolled full-time at Central Michigan University

Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8

Able to have completed at least 56 credits before beginning the summer research experience

If you are qualifying for the program as a low income and first generation college student, it is important to verify your income status prior to submitting your application
to make sure that you do qualify. We would like to confirm this
beforehand, otherwise we will be unable to consider your application if
your income status does not meet the specified federal levels. See Federal Trio Income Guidelines or contact the office at 774-1364 for assistance.

NOTE:
In order to qualify as a first generation college student, neither
parent can have received a college degree. However, one or more parent
CAN have attended some college and even received an associate's degree
and you will still qualify.

The
majority of our students must be low income and first generation
college students (of any ethnicity). The McNair program strives to
service students who fit all major criteria including low income, first
generation AND underrepresented. All students must demonstrate a sincere
interest in pursuing a Ph.D. Please see McNair program legislation and
regulations for further information (U.S. Department of Education).